Stevens celebrates Independence Day in rosa

4 July 2016

UCI Hour Record Holder Evie Stevens celebrated the United States’ Independence Day in the Giro Rosa’s maglia rosa. The fourth stage of the Italian Grand Tour ended in a bunch sprint won by Chloe Hosking (Wiggle High5). Stevens finished on bunch time to maintain her overall advantage.

“It was a fantastic day,” said Stevens. “It’s an honour to be in the pink jersey for the fourth of the July. My teammates were amazing. They always ride like bosses. I just got to enjoy the ride in pink.”

The 120-kilometre stage between Montagnana and Lendinara was a flat day for the fast finishers. Scotti Lechuga (Hagens Berman – Supermint) attempted to spoil the sprinters fun with a late race attack, but her efforts were neutralised well before the finish.

“We actually tried to echelon a few times because it was windy,” said Stevens. “I think because of that it made the race a bit more aggressive. You never knew when you were going to hit a crosswind section that could do damage. That definitely added to the character of the race.”

“My teammates took care of me all day and made sure I was in good position,” she said. “I didn’t have to do anything expect turn the pedals.”

The Giro Rosa peloton races around Lago d’Iseo tomorrow. The 98-kilometre stage includes only one categorised climb in Solto Collina with several other uncategoriesed lumps and bumps en route to the finish.

“There are so many days left of the Giro, and it’s still so early,” said Stevens. “I’m still thinking about it as one day at a time and enjoying the experience.”